On April 6, 2022, the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) launched a series of new lectures: Journey to Academic Success. The first edition was held at the College of Science.

Xueming YANG, Acting Vice President of SUSTech and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), and Jiping ZHANG, Director of the SUSTech International Center for Mathematics and Academician of the CAS, spoke about their respective academic journeys with the theme of the event entitled “In Search of Excellence”.

Qikun XUE, President of SUSTech and Academician of the CAS, and Hongwei FANG, Provost of SUSTech, attended the event.

Xueming YANG illustrated the importance of discovering and developing his interests based on his decades of scientific practice experience, whether this was studying and undertaking scientific research, developing scientific research instruments, or leading the deployment of large scientific facilities. This has been a powerful driving force that propelled him to the forefront of his profession.

Focusing on the history of human evolution, he said that the development of science had stimulated people’s understanding of the world, especially the modern world, to an unprecedented level. Curiosity and imagination, the development of experimental observations and theories, and the needs of society and national development are driving the continuous progress of science and technology.

Academician YANG said that people in this era are able to enjoy the conveniences brought by scientific and technological advancements. To make academic success, it is critical for researchers to seize any opportunities for improvement, build confidence, and go beyond expectations in everything they do. Only when they search for excellence through acquiring lab techniques and creating experimental equipment could they have the ability to propose and solve pressing scientific problems.

Jiping ZHANG elaborated on his understanding of pursuing excellence by discussing his family education, study experience, and scientific research experience from an early age.

He said that one of the essential properties of the world is symmetry. Without symmetry, it is difficult to imagine what the world would be like. The most important thing is to be an upright person and doesn’t feel the need to follow the crowd.

“When doing scientific research, you must stick to your own path and do your own thing. You must be determined, even if the process is excruciating. You must adhere to your own academic judgment; otherwise, it will be challenging to achieve outstanding results.”

Academician ZHANG told stories of several scientists and friends who have struggled previously and encouraged the students of SUSTech to work hard no matter what they did. He advised them not to be impatient and reap the rewards for every effort.

Afterward, Xueming YANG and Jiping ZHANG held a question-and-answer session with the faculty members and students in attendance.

President Qikun XUE made a concluding speech at the event. He said that first-class universities are platforms for gathering knowledge, developing our brainpower, communicating with each other, and exploring things unknown to mankind.

On the road of scientific research, faculty members and students of SUSTech should aspire to be ambitious and pursue excellence, have a strong inner drive, and the fortitude to overcome any hardships or challenges along the way.

President XUE emphasized that a person’s ability is limited, but a person’s efforts are unlimited. He added that we are fortunate to live in this era, have the ability to study important academic issues, and work hard for the continued prosperity of the country.